U.S. patent number 7,948,549 [Application Number 12/128,677] was granted by the patent office on 2011-05-24 for camera system.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Panasonic Corporation. Invention is credited to Kenichi Honjo, Naoto Yumiki.
United States Patent |
7,948,549 |
Honjo , et al. |
May 24, 2011 |
Camera system
Abstract
A camera system 100 has an imaging optical system L, an imaging
component 45, a liquid crystal monitor 16, a body microprocessor
12, an aperture setting component 29, and an image display
controller 15. The body microprocessor 12 allows a target aperture
value and a reference aperture value to be set as set conditions
and determines the reference aperture value on the basis of the
target aperture value. The aperture setting component 29 adjusts a
photography condition on the basis of the set conditions. The image
display controller 15 displays part of a reference image a1
acquired by the imaging component 45 at the reference aperture
value as a reference display image A1 in a first display region
R131 and displays part of a target image b1 acquired by the imaging
component 45 at the target aperture value a1 as a target display
image B1 in a second display region R132.
Inventors: |
Honjo; Kenichi (Osaka,
JP), Yumiki; Naoto (Osaka, JP) |
Assignee: |
Panasonic Corporation (Osaka,
JP)
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Family
ID: |
40087689 |
Appl.
No.: |
12/128,677 |
Filed: |
May 29, 2008 |
Prior Publication Data
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Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
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US 20080297640 A1 |
Dec 4, 2008 |
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Foreign Application Priority Data
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Jun 1, 2007 [JP] |
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2007-146502 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
348/333.05;
396/374; 348/239; 348/346 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04N
5/23293 (20130101); H04N 5/772 (20130101); G03B
13/02 (20130101); H04N 9/8047 (20130101); H04N
9/8205 (20130101); H04N 5/907 (20130101); H04N
5/77 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
H04N
5/222 (20060101); H04N 5/262 (20060101); H04N
5/232 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;348/239,333.05,346
;396/374 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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6006807 |
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Jan 1994 |
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JP |
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2001-125173 |
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May 2001 |
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JP |
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Primary Examiner: Tran; Sinh
Assistant Examiner: Durnford-Geszvain; Dillon
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Pearne & Gordon LLP
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A camera system, comprising: an imaging optical system
configured to form an optical image of a subject; an imaging
component configured to convert the optical image into an image
signal and acquiring an image of the subject based on a photography
condition; a display component having first and second display
regions that allow a plurality of images acquired by the imaging
component to be displayed side by side; a condition setting
component with which a first photography condition and a second
photography condition can be set as a setting condition, one of the
first and second photography conditions is determined on the basis
of the other; a condition adjustment component configured to adjust
the photography condition on the basis of the set condition; a
display control component configured to control the display
component to display as a first display image at least part of a
first image acquired by the imaging component under the first
photography condition in the first display region, the display
control component configured to control the display component to
display as a second display image at least part of a second image
acquired by the imaging component under the second photography
condition in the second display region; the condition setting
component being arranged to allow a third photography condition to
be set as the set condition; the third photography condition being
determined on the basis of either the first or the second
photography condition; and the display control component
controlling the display component to display the first display
image in the second display region and the third display image in
the first display region when the third photography condition is
determined on the basis of the first photography condition.
2. The camera system according to claim 1, wherein when the third
photography condition is determined on the basis of the first
photography condition, the display control component controls the
display component to display the first display image and the third
display image side by side instead of the second display image.
3. The camera system according to claim 2, wherein when the third
photography condition is determined on the basis of the second
photography condition, the display control component controls the
display component to display the second and the third display
images side by side instead of the first display image.
4. The camera system according to claim 1, wherein when the third
photography condition is determined on the basis of the second
photography condition, the display control component controls the
display component to display the second display image in the first
display region and the third display image in the second display
region.
5. The camera system according to claim 4, wherein the condition
setting component changes one of the first or second photography
condition then determines the setting condition of the other by a
specific width.
6. The camera system according to claim 5, further comprising a
condition input component with which either the first or the second
photography condition can be inputted.
7. The camera system according to claim 1, wherein the condition
setting component changes one of the first or second photography
condition then determines the setting condition of the other by a
specific width.
8. The camera system according to claim 7, further comprising a
condition input component with which either the first or the second
photography condition can be inputted.
9. The camera system according to claim 1, further comprising a
condition input component with which either the first or the second
photography condition can be inputted.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No.
JP2007-146502 filed on Jun. 1, 2007. The entire disclosure of
Japanese Patent Application No. JP2007-146502 is hereby
incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a camera system, and more
particularly relates to a camera system with which a plurality of
images can be displayed side by side.
2. Background Information
Single-lens reflex digital cameras have become tremendously popular
in recent years. With a single-lens reflex digital camera, when an
optical viewfinder is used to view a subject, the light incident on
the imaging optical system is reflected by a reflecting mirror
disposed along the optical path, and is guided to the viewfinder
optical system. As a result, the subject image is converted by a
pentaprism or the like into an erect image before being guided to
the viewfinder optical system. This allows the user to view the
subject image formed by the imaging optical system through the
optical viewfinder. Thus, the reflecting mirror is usually disposed
along the optical path.
Meanwhile, when an optical image of the subject is converted into
an image signal, the reflecting mirror is retracted from the
optical path so that the light from the imaging optical system will
be incident on an imaging element. As a result, opto-electric
conversion is performed by the imaging element, and image data
about the subject is obtained. When imaging is complete, the
reflecting mirror is returned to its home position along the
optical path. With a single-lens reflex camera, this operation of
the reflecting mirror is the same regardless of whether the camera
is a conventional silver halide camera or a digital camera.
However, when the home position of the reflecting mirror lies in
the optical path, the light from the imaging optical system is not
incident on the imaging element. Therefore, in the case of a
digital camera, with the above-mentioned system, a monitor
photography mode, in which the user uses the liquid crystal monitor
to view the subject, cannot be achieved, and a camera system such
as this is inconvenient for a beginner unaccustomed to
photography.
In view of this, as discussed in Japanese Laid-Open Patent
Application 2001-125173, a single-lens reflex digital camera has
been proposed with which a liquid crystal monitor can be used
during image capture. With this camera system, in monitor
photography mode, the reflecting mirror is retracted from the
optical path and the light from the imaging optical system is
incident on the imaging element. This allows the subject to be
viewed on the liquid crystal monitor.
Also, the imaging element of a single-lens reflex digital camera is
generally larger in size than the imaging element of an ordinary
compact digital camera. Therefore, when an optical image of the
subject is formed on the imaging element, a smaller area is in
focus, and the subject field depth tends to be shallow. Therefore,
with a single-lens reflex digital camera, it is important to adjust
the aperture and confirm the subject field depth.
In view of this, as discussed in Japanese Laid-Open Patent
Application H6-6807, a camera system has been proposed with which a
plurality of images captured under different photography
conditions, for example, can be displayed side by side.
However, if a plurality of images with different photography
conditions are merely displayed side by side, the relationship
between the photography conditions of the two images will be
unclear, making it less convenient to compare images.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is a camera system that provides the user
with more convenience by allowing a plurality of images to be
displayed side by side.
The camera system, according to one aspect of the present
invention, includes an imaging optical system, an imaging
component, a display component, a condition setting component, a
condition adjustment component, and a display control component.
The imaging optical system forms an optical image of a subject. The
imaging component converts the optical image into an image signal
and successively acquires images of the subject. The display
component has first and second display regions that allow a
plurality of the images acquired by the imaging component to be
displayed side by side. The condition setting component allows a
first photography condition and a second photography condition to
be set as a setting condition, and determines one of the first and
second photography conditions on the basis of the other. The
condition adjustment component adjusts a photography condition on
the basis of the set condition. The display control component
control the display component to display as a first display image
at least part of a first image acquired by the imaging component
under the first photography condition in the first display region,
and control the display component to display as a second display
image at least part of a second image acquired by the imaging
component under the second photography condition in the second
display region.
With this camera system, since the second photography condition of
the second display image is determined by the condition setting
component on the basis of the first photography condition of the
first display image, the first display image and the second display
image are acquired under related photography conditions. This
affords better correlation between images and improves convenience
in the comparison of images.
Examples of photography conditions here include the aperture value,
the shutter speed, and the exposure value.
The camera system, according to another aspect of the present
invention, wherein the condition setting component allows a third
photography condition to be set as the set condition, and the third
photography condition is determined on the basis of either the
first or second photography condition. When the third photography
condition is determined on the basis of the first photography
condition, the display control component controls the display
component to display the first and third display images side by
side instead of the second display image. When the third
photography condition is determined on the basis of the second
photography condition, the display control component controls the
display component to display the second and third display images
side by side instead of the first display image.
The camera system, according to yet another aspect of the present
invention, wherein when the third photography condition is
determined on the basis of the first photography condition, the
display control component controls the display component to display
the first display image in the second display region, and displays
the third display image in the first display region. When the third
photography condition is determined on the basis of the second
photography condition, the display control component controls the
display component to display the second display image in the first
display region, and displays the third display image in the second
display region.
The camera system, according to still another aspect of the present
invention, wherein the condition setting component changes one of
the first or second photography condition then determines the
setting condition of the other by a specific width.
The term "a specific width" here means, for example, the variable
width of the aperture value or the exposure value (EV). If the
specific width is the aperture value, one step, etc., can be the
specific width, and when the specific width is the exposure value,
1/2 EV, 1/3 EV, etc., can be the specific width.
The camera system, according to another aspect of the present
invention, further includes a condition input component with which
either the first or second photography condition can be
inputted.
These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present
invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the
following detailed description, which, taken in conjunction with
the annexed drawings, discloses a preferred embodiment of the
present invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
Referring now to the attached drawings which form a part of this
original disclosure:
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a control system for an
interchangeable lens unit and digital camera main body pertaining
to a first embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a concept diagram illustrating a viewfinder photography
mode pertaining to the first embodiment of the present
invention;
FIG. 3 is a concept diagram illustrating a monitor photography mode
pertaining to the first embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 4 is a top view of a digital camera pertaining to the first
embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 5 is a rear view of the digital camera pertaining to the first
embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 6A is a development diagram of the outer peripheral face of an
aperture ring pertaining to the first embodiment of the present
invention;
FIG. 6B is a development diagram of the inner peripheral face of
the aperture ring pertaining to the first embodiment of the present
invention;
FIG. 7 is a partial cross section showing the linkage of an
aperture linear sensor and the aperture ring pertaining to the
first embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 8A is a circuit diagram of the aperture linear sensor of a
lens barrel in the first embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 8B is a graph of the output of the aperture linear sensor of
the lens barrel in the first embodiment of the present
invention;
FIG. 9 is a graph of the relationship between the output value of
the aperture linear sensor and the rotational angle of the aperture
ring pertaining to the first embodiment of the present
invention;
FIG. 10 is a block diagram of the control system inside the digital
camera pertaining to the first embodiment of the present
invention;
FIG. 11 is a block diagram of the control system inside the
interchangeable lens unit pertaining to the first embodiment of the
present invention;
FIG. 12 is a flowchart of a depth of field reviewing mode;
FIG. 13 is a flowchart of a depth of field reviewing mode;
FIG. 14 is an example of the display on a liquid crystal
monitor;
FIG. 15 is an example of the display on a liquid crystal
monitor;
FIG. 16 is an example of the display on a liquid crystal monitor
(other embodiment); and
FIG. 17 is an example of the display on a liquid crystal monitor
(other embodiment).
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Selected embodiments of the present invention will now be explained
with reference to the drawings. It will be apparent to those
skilled in the art from this disclosure that the following
descriptions of the embodiments of the present invention are
provided for illustration only and not for the purpose of limiting
the invention as defined by the appended claims and their
equivalents.
First Embodiment
Embodiments of the present invention will now be described through
reference to the drawings.
1: Overall Configuration of Camera System
The camera system 100 pertaining to the first embodiment of the
present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram of the
overall configuration of the camera system 100 pertaining to the
first embodiment of the present invention.
The camera system 100 shown in FIG. 1 is an interchangeable lens
type of single-lens reflex digital camera system. The camera system
100 includes a camera main body 1 and an interchangeable lens unit
2.
The camera system 100 and the interchangeable lens unit 2 exchange
various control signals via an electrical contact (not shown) of a
lens mount 21 on the interchangeable lens unit 2 side and an
electrical contact (not shown) of a body mount 23 on the camera
system 100 side.
1.1: Configuration of Interchangeable Lens Unit
The interchangeable lens unit 2 mainly includes an imaging optical
system L, an aperture setting component 29 for adjusting the
aperture of the imaging optical system L, and a lens microprocessor
20 for controlling various sequences of the interchangeable lens
unit 2. The interchangeable lens unit 2 has the lens mount 21 and
is removably mounted to the body mount 23 provided to the body
front face of the camera main body 1.
The interchangeable lens unit 2 has the imaging optical system L
for forming an optical image of a subject. Also, the lens
microprocessor 20 is mounted to control the various sequences of
the interchangeable lens unit 2 and to hold various kinds of lens
information. A focus controller 26 is mounted inside the
interchangeable lens unit 2 for controlling the drive of a focus
lens group 25. An aperture controller 27 is also mounted for
controlling an aperture unit 28.
The imaging optical system L mainly includes the focus lens group
25 and the aperture unit 28.
The aperture setting component 29 mainly includes an aperture ring
40 which the user can turn to input aperture values, an aperture
linear sensor 41 for outputting a physical quantity according to
the rotational angle of the aperture ring 40, a diaphragm drive
motor 28b for driving diaphragm blades, and the aperture controller
27 for adjusting the aperture to be equal to the set aperture
value.
The lens microprocessor 20 is a control device serving as the
functional center of the interchangeable lens unit 2. The lens
microprocessor 20 is connected to various components mounted in the
interchangeable lens unit 2 and controls various sequences of the
interchangeable lens unit 2. For example, a CPU and a memory 69 are
installed in the lens microprocessor 20, and various functions can
be realized by having the CPU read programs stored in the memory
69. The lens microprocessor 20 output commands (such as control
signals) to the focus controller 26, the aperture controller 27, a
shift controller 47, and other devices in the camera system, and
therefore can execute control over the focus controller 26, the
aperture controller 27, the shift controller 47, and the other
devices in the camera system. Also, the lens microprocessor 20 is
connected via an interface with a body microprocessor 12 and
communicates with this body microprocessor 12.
1.2: Configuration of Camera Main Body
The camera main body 1 generally includes a quick return mirror 4,
a focus detection unit 5, a shutter unit 10, a viewfinder optical
system 19, an imaging component 45, an image display component 46,
a photography mode switching component 48, a depth of field
reviewing mode setting component 49, a shutter controller 14, an
image recorder 18, and the body microprocessor 12. The quick return
mirror 4 varies the path taken by light from the subject. The focus
detection unit 5 is used for performing focus detection. The
shutter unit 10 opens and closes the shutter. The viewfinder
optical system 19 is used for viewing a subject image. The imaging
component 45 is used for acquiring a subject image as a
photographic image. The image display component 46 is for
displaying a photographic image. The photography mode switching
component 48 is used for switching between photography modes. The
depth of field reviewing mode setting component 49 is for setting
to depth of field reviewing mode. The shutter controller 14
controls the shutter unit 10, and the image recorder 18 records a
photographic image. The body microprocessor 12 is used for
controlling various sequences of the camera main body 1.
The viewfinder optical system 19 constitutes an observation optical
system, the quick return mirror 4 constitutes a movable mirror, a
photography mode switching button 75 and the body microprocessor 12
constitute the photography mode switching component 48, and a depth
of field reviewing button 76 and the body microprocessor 12
constitute the depth of field reviewing mode setting component
49.
Subject light that has passed through the interchangeable lens unit
2 is split into two beams (reflected light beam and transmitted
light beam) by a main mirror 4a of the quick return mirror 4, and
the reflected beam is guided to the viewfinder optical system 19.
The transmitted beam, meanwhile, is reflected by a sub-mirror 4b
provided on the rear face side of the quick return mirror 4, and is
utilized as an AF light beam for the focus detection unit 5. The
focus detection unit 5 generally makes use of a phase difference
detection method.
The light beam reflected by the main mirror 4a forms an image on a
viewfinder screen 6. The subject image formed on the viewfinder
screen 6 can be observed through a viewfinder eyepiece window 9 via
a pentaprism 7 and an eyepiece 8.
The body microprocessor 12 that controls various sequences is
installed in the camera system 100. An imaging sensor controller 13
controls the drive of an imaging sensor 11. The shutter controller
14 controls the drive of the shutter unit 10. An image display
controller 15 reads image data from the imaging sensor 11 and
performs specific image processing, after which the photographic
image is displayed on a liquid crystal monitor 16. An image
recording controller 17 reads and writes photographic images
through the image recorder 18 from and to a recording medium such
as an SD card (not shown).
The quick return mirror 4 generally includes the main mirror 4a
that is capable of reflecting and transmitting incident light, and
a sub-mirror 4b that is provided on the rear face side of the main
mirror 4a and reflects transmitted light from the main mirror 4a.
The quick return mirror 4 can be flipped up outside the optical
path X by a quick return mirror controller 60. This quick return
mirror 4 is disposed so as to be movable between the position shown
in FIG. 2 and the position shown in FIG. 3. Also, incident light is
split into two beams by the main mirror 4a. The reflected beam is
guided to the viewfinder optical system 19, while the transmitted
beam is reflected by the sub-mirror 4b and guided to the focus
detection unit 5.
The viewfinder optical system 19 generally includes the viewfinder
screen 6 where an image of the subject is formed, the pentaprism 7
for converting the subject image into an erect image, the eyepiece
8 for guiding the erect image of the subject to the viewfinder
eyepiece window 9, and the viewfinder eyepiece window 9 through
which the user can see the subject.
The focus detection unit 5 is a unit for detecting whether or not
an image formed by light from the subject is in a focused state
(detecting focus) from the light reflected by the sub-mirror 4b.
The focus detection unit 5 also performs focus detection by a
standard phase difference detection method, for example.
The imaging component 45 generally includes the imaging sensor 11
(such as a CCD) for performing opto-electric conversion and the
imaging sensor controller 13 for controlling the imaging sensor 11,
and acquires the subject image as a photographic image. The imaging
component 45 converts the subject image produced by incident light
into an electrical signal for forming a photographic image.
The image display component 46 includes the liquid crystal monitor
16 and the image display controller 15 that controls the operation
of the liquid crystal monitor 16. The image recorder 18 records and
reproduces photographic images to and from a card-type recording
medium (not shown), for example. The image recorder 18 is
controlled by the image recording controller 17, which controls the
operation of the image recorder 18. The liquid crystal monitor 16
has two display regions, for example, so that a plurality of images
can be displayed side by side. The image display controller 15 is
able to display different images separately in two display regions
of the liquid crystal monitor 16.
The body microprocessor 12 is a control device serving as the
functional center of the camera main body 1 and controls various
sequences. The body microprocessor 12, for example, is equipped
with a CPU, ROM, and RAM. The body microprocessor 12 can perform
many different functions when programs held in the ROM are read by
the CPU. The body microprocessor 12 outputs commands (such as
control signals) to the shutter controller 14, the imaging sensor
controller 13, the image display controller 15, the image recording
controller 17, etc., and therefore can executes control over the
shutter controller 14, the imaging sensor controller 13, the image
display controller 15, the image recording controller 17, etc.
Also, the body microprocessor 12 is connected via an interface with
the lens microprocessor 20 and communicates with this lens
microprocessor 20.
As will be discussed below, the body microprocessor 12 further has
the function of setting the indicated value as the target aperture
value, determining the reference aperture value based on the target
aperture value, resetting the target aperture value and the
reference aperture value in accordance with the operation of the
aperture ring 40. The body microprocessor 12 is an example of the
condition setting component with which the photography conditions
are set. Also, the body microprocessor 12 can send a control signal
to the aperture controller 27 so that the aperture value of the
aperture setting component 29 will be the target aperture value or
the reference aperture value.
1.3: Viewfinder Photography Mode and Monitor Photography Mode
This camera system 100 has a viewfinder photography mode and
monitor photography mode as its photography modes. The viewfinder
photography mode is a mode in which the user looks through the
viewfinder eyepiece window 9 to see the subject. The viewfinder
photography mode is considered the ordinary photography mode for a
conventional single-lens reflex camera.
In this viewfinder photography mode, as shown in FIG. 2, the quick
return mirror 4 is disposed in a specific position in optical path
X, and subject light is guided to the viewfinder optical system 19,
so the user can see the subject image through the viewfinder
eyepiece window 9. During actual photography, the quick return
mirror 4 flips up outside the optical path X, and the shutter unit
10 is opened so that the subject image is formed on the imaging
face of the imaging sensor 11.
The monitor photography mode is a mode in which the user takes a
photo while looking at the subject displayed on the liquid crystal
monitor 16. In the monitor photography mode, as shown in FIG. 3,
the quick return mirror 4 is retracted from the optical path X. The
subject image, or what is known as a through-image, is displayed on
the liquid crystal monitor 16 via the imaging sensor 11.
1.4: Configuration of Interchangeable Lens Unit
FIG. 4 is a top view of the camera system 100 to which has been
attached the interchangeable lens unit 2 pertaining to the first
embodiment of the present invention. The X, Y, and Z axes are
defined as shown in FIG. 4 (assuming the Z axis to be parallel to
the optical axis of the lenses constituting the imaging optical
system L).
The camera system 100 has a housing that is held by the user when
the subject is being photographed. This camera system 100 includes
a release button 30 and a shutter speed setting dial 31. The
release button 30 and shutter speed setting dial 31 are provided on
the right side of the upper face of the camera main body 1.
The shutter speed setting dial 31 is a control member that is
turned to set the shutter speed. Also, the shutter speed setting
dial 31 has an auto position in which the shutter speed is set
automatically.
The main body of the camera system 100 includes the liquid crystal
monitor 16. The liquid crystal monitor 16 is provided on the side
of the camera system 100 main body that faces the user. The
operation of the liquid crystal monitor 16 will be described
below.
The interchangeable lens unit 2 has a filter mount 37 on the side
closest to the subject (the positive side in the Z axial
direction). The interchangeable lens unit 2 has a zoom ring 38, a
focus ring 39, and the aperture ring 40, in that order from the
filter mount 37 toward the camera system 100 main body side (the
negative direction of the Z axis). The zoom ring 38, focus ring 39,
and aperture ring 40 are all cylindrical rotating control members
and are rotatably disposed around the outer peripheral face of the
interchangeable lens unit 2.
1.5: Configuration of Rear Face of Camera Main Body
FIG. 5 is a rear view of the camera system 100 pertaining to the
first embodiment of the present invention. The camera system 100
main body includes a power button 70, a photography/reproduction
mode switching lever 71, a menu button 72, a directional arrow key
73, a set button 74, and a depth of field reviewing button 76.
The power button 70 is a control member that is operated to turn
the power on and off to the camera system 100. The
photography/reproduction mode switching lever 71 is a control
member that is operated to switch between a photography mode and a
reproduction mode by switching a lever. The photography mode
referred to here is a mode that is set to capture a new subject
image and create an image signal with the camera system 100. The
reproduction mode is a mode that is set to display an image signal
already captured and stored in the camera system 100.
The menu button 72 is a control member that is operated to display
various operation menus on the liquid crystal monitor 16. The
directional arrow key 73 has an up, a down, a left, and a right
arrow key. The directional arrow key 73 is a control member that is
operated to select displayed categories from various operation
menus. The set button 74 is a control member that is operated to
set the display categories on various operation menus.
The depth of field reviewing button 76 is a button for changing to
a depth of field reviewing mode, which is discussed below. With the
camera system 100, the user presses this depth of field reviewing
button 76 to change to depth of field reviewing mode.
1.6: Aperture
The aperture ring 40 has a cylindrical shape. FIG. 6A is a
development diagram of the outer peripheral face of the aperture
ring pertaining to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6B is a development diagram of the inner peripheral face of
the aperture ring pertaining to the first embodiment of the present
invention.
As shown in FIGS. 4 and 6a, aperture values are displayed on the
outer peripheral face of the aperture ring 40. The display region
of the aperture values is divided into two regions. In FIG. 6A,
each display portion of 1AV (aperture value) from "2" to "11"
corresponds to the aperture value of the manual region. Also, in
FIG. 6A, the display portion "A" corresponds to the aperture value
of the auto region. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 6b, the aperture ring
40 has a straight cam groove 42 on its inner peripheral face. The
aperture value need not only be selected in 1AV increments.
The interchangeable lens unit 2 has the aperture unit 28 in its
interior. The aperture unit 28 includes in its interior the
diaphragm drive motor 28b for driving aperture blades (not shown).
The diaphragm drive motor 28b drives the aperture blades in
accordance with the rotational angle of the aperture ring 40 by
control which will be described later. The aperture value of the
imaging optical system L is changed by driving these aperture
blades.
FIG. 7 is a partial cross section showing the linkage of the
aperture linear sensor 41 and the aperture ring 40 pertaining to
the first embodiment of the present invention. The aperture linear
sensor 41 includes a slider 41a that has a cylindrical shape that
protrudes to the outside of the aperture ring 40 in the radial
direction. The cam groove 42 formed in the aperture ring 40 links
with the slider 41a of the aperture linear sensor 41.
This aperture linear sensor 41 is mainly constituted by a circuit
having a varistor as shown in FIG. 8A. The terminal T2 in FIG. 8A
is connected to the slider 41a in FIG. 7, while the terminals T2
and T3 are connected to the two ends 41b and 41c of the aperture
linear sensor in FIG. 7. When a specific voltage is applied between
the terminals T1 and T3, the cylindrical slider 41a provided to the
aperture linear sensor 41 slides over a magnetic resistor (not
shown) inside the aperture linear sensor 41, causing the output of
the terminal T2 (output voltage) to vary linearly as shown in FIG.
8B.
FIG. 9 is a graph showing the relationship between the output value
of the aperture linear sensor 41 (output voltage value) and the
rotational angle of the aperture ring 40 pertaining to the first
embodiment of the present invention. In FIGS. 4 and 6, when the
aperture ring 40 is turned until the number "2" displayed on the
aperture ring 40 matches up with a pointer 33, the slider 41a of
the aperture linear sensor 41 is in the position P on the cam
groove 42. In this case, the output value of the aperture linear
sensor 41 (output voltage value) is P'. That is, P' is the output
voltage value of the aperture linear sensor 41 corresponding to the
rotational angle of the aperture ring 40 when the number "2"
displayed on the aperture ring 40 matches up with the pointer
33.
Similarly, when the aperture ring 40 is turned until the positions
where the numbers "2," "2.8," "14," "5.6," "8", "11," and "A" are
displayed on the aperture ring 40 match up with the position of the
pointer 33, the slider 41a of the aperture linear sensor 41 is in
the positions P, Q, R, S, T, U, and V, respectively, on the cam
groove 42. In this case, the output values of the aperture linear
sensor 41 (output voltage values) are P', Q', R', S', T', U', and
V', respectively. That is, P', Q', R', S', T', U', and V' are the
output voltage values of the aperture linear sensor 41
corresponding to the rotational angle of the aperture ring 40 when
the positions where the numbers "2," "2.8," "14," "5.6," "8," "11,"
and "A," respectively, displayed on the aperture ring 40 match up
with the position of the pointer 33.
Thus, the aperture linear sensor 41 indicates the output (output
voltage value) that corresponds in a one-to-one ratio to the
rotational angle of the aperture ring 40. Therefore, the rotational
angle of the aperture ring 40 can be detected by the aperture
linear sensor 41. The aperture linear sensor 41 outputs as a
voltage change an aperture value signal corresponding to a
rotational angle.
1.7: Control System for Camera Main Body
FIG. 10 is a block diagram of the control system of the camera
system 100 pertaining to the first embodiment of the present
invention.
The body microprocessor 12 can receive signals from the release
button 30, the shutter speed setting dial 31, the
photography/reproduction mode switching lever 71, the menu button
72, the directional arrow key 73, the set button 74, a photography
mode switching button 75, and the depth of field reviewing button
76. Also, the body microprocessor 12 can send signals to the
shutter controller 14 and the quick return mirror controller 60.
Furthermore, the body microprocessor 12 can perform bidirectional
communication between the body microprocessor 12 and the image
recording controller 17, between the body microprocessor 12 and the
image display controller 15, and between the body microprocessor 12
and a digital signal processor 53. The body microprocessor 12 also
has a memory 68 for storing signals.
The shutter controller 14 drives a shutter drive motor 10a on the
basis of a control signal from the body microprocessor 12. The
quick return mirror controller 60 drives a quick return mirror
drive motor 61 on the basis of a control signal from the body
microprocessor 12.
The release button 30 sends information indicating shutter timing
to the body microprocessor 12. The shutter speed setting dial 31
sends set shutter speed information and shutter motor
information.
The imaging sensor 11 is constituted by a CCD (charge coupled
device) or the like. The imaging sensor 11 converts an optical
image formed by the imaging optical system L of the interchangeable
lens unit 2 into an electrical image signal. The drive of the
imaging sensor 11 is controlled by the imaging sensor controller
13. The image signal outputted from the imaging sensor 11 is
processed by an analog signal processor 55, an A/D converter 52, a
digital signal processor 53, a buffer memory 54, and an image
compressor 56, in that order.
An image signal is sent from the imaging sensor 11 to the analog
signal processor 55. The analog signal processor 55 subjects the
image signal outputted by the imaging sensor 11 to analog signal
processing, such as gamma processing. The image signal outputted
from the analog signal processor 55 is sent to the A/D converter
52. The A/D converter 52 converts the analog image signal outputted
from the analog signal processor 55 into a digital signal.
The image signal outputted from the A/D converter 52 is sent to the
digital signal processor 53. The digital signal processor 53
subjects the image signal converted into a digital signal by the
A/D converter 52 to digital signal processing, such as noise
elimination or contour enhancement. The image signal outputted from
the digital signal processor 53 is sent to the buffer memory 54.
The buffer memory 54 temporarily stores the image signal processed
by the digital signal processor 53. The buffer memory 54 consists
of a RAM (random access memory) or the like.
The image signal outputted from the buffer memory 54 is sent to the
image compressor 56 according to a command from the image recording
controller 17. The image compressor 56 subjects the image signal to
compression processing according to a command from the image
recording controller 17. The image signal is compressed to a data
size that is smaller than that of the original data. The
compression method, for example, can be JPEG (Joint Photographic
Experts Group).
The compressed image signal is sent from the image compressor 56 to
the image recorder 18 and the liquid crystal monitor 16. Meanwhile,
the body microprocessor 12 sends a control signal to the image
recording controller 17 and the image display controller 15. The
image recording controller 17 controls the image recorder 18 on the
basis of a control signal from the body microprocessor 12. The
image display controller 15 controls the liquid crystal monitor 16
on the basis of a control signal from the body microprocessor
12.
The image recorder 18 records the image signal to an internal
memory and/or removable memory on the basis of a command from the
image recording controller 17. The image recorder 18 records
information to be stored along with the image signal to an internal
memory and/or removable memory on the basis of a command from the
image recording controller 17. The information to be stored along
with the image signal includes the date and time the image was
captured, focal distance information, shutter speed information,
aperture value information, and photography mode information.
The liquid crystal monitor 16 displays the image signal as a
visible image on the basis of a command from the image display
controller 15. The liquid crystal monitor 16 displays information
to be displayed along with the image signal on the basis of a
command from the image display controller 15. The information to be
displayed along with the image signal includes focal distance
information, shutter speed information, aperture value information,
photography mode information, and focus state information.
Also, the liquid crystal monitor 16 displays a setting screen to be
set by the user, etc., in a specific photography/reproduction mode
on the basis of a command from the image display controller 15.
When the user, etc., captures an image, the power button 70 is
switched on and the photography/reproduction mode switching lever
71 is put in the photography mode. This turns on the power to the
camera system 100 main body, and an optical image of the subject
which has been converted into an electrical image signal by the
imaging sensor 11 is displayed as a visible image on the basis of a
command from the image display controller 15.
When the camera system 100 is in its photography mode and the user
presses the menu button 72, the liquid crystal monitor 16 displays
the setting categories that can be changed by the user in
photography mode as an iconized setting menu screen on the basis of
a command from the image display controller 15.
1.8: Interchangeable Lens Unit Control System
FIG. 11 is a block diagram of the control system inside the
interchangeable lens unit 2 pertaining to the first embodiment of
the present invention.
The lens microprocessor 20 can perform bidirectional communication
between the lens microprocessor 20 and a zoom controller 62,
bidirectional communication between the lens microprocessor 20 and
the focus controller 26, and bidirectional communication between
the lens microprocessor 20 and the aperture controller 27.
The zoom controller 62 can receive signals from a zoom linear
sensor 600 via an A/D converter 601. The zoom controller 62
converts the amount of rotation of the zoom ring 38 detected by the
zoom linear sensor 600 into focal distance information about the
imaging optical system L. The zoom controller 62 sends focal
distance information to the lens microprocessor 20.
The focus controller 26 can receive signals from a focus linear
sensor 63, and can send signals to a focus drive motor 65 via an
A/D converter 64. The focus controller 26 determines the focus mode
from the rotational angle of the focus ring 39, which is detected
by the focus linear sensor 63 and digitized by the A/D converter
64. The focus controller 26 sends the result of this determination
to the lens microprocessor 20. The focus controller 26 sends focal
distance information detected from the rotational angle of the
focus ring 39 to the lens microprocessor 20 on the basis of a
command from the lens microprocessor 20. The focus controller 26
drives the focus drive motor 65 on the basis of a control signal
from the lens microprocessor 20.
The aperture controller 27 can receive signals from the aperture
linear sensor 41 and can send signals to the diaphragm drive motor
28b via the A/D converter 67. The aperture controller 27 determines
the aperture mode from the rotational angle of the aperture ring
40, which is detected by the aperture linear sensor 41 and
digitized by the A/D converter 67. The aperture controller 27 sends
the result of this determination to the lens microprocessor 20. The
aperture controller 27 sends aperture value information detected
from the rotational angle of the aperture ring 40 to the lens
microprocessor 20 on the basis of a command from the lens
microprocessor 20. The aperture controller 27 drives the diaphragm
drive motor 28b on the basis of a control signal from the lens
microprocessor 20.
2: Operation of Camera System
2.1: Photographic Operation of Camera System 100 (Viewfinder
Photography Mode)
Next, the photographic operation of the camera system 100 will be
described. First, the drive sequence in viewfinder photography
mode, in which the user looks through the viewfinder eyepiece
window 9, will be described through reference to FIGS. 1, 2, 10,
and 11.
When the user presses the release button 30 halfway down, power is
supplied to the body microprocessor 12 and the various units in the
camera system 100. The body microprocessor 12 in the camera system
100, which is activated by the supply of power, receives various
kinds of lens data from the lens microprocessor 20 in the
interchangeable lens unit 2, which is also activated by the supply
of power, via the lens mount 21 and the body mount 23 and stores
this data in the built-in memory 68. Then, the body microprocessor
12 acquires the amount of defocus (hereinafter referred to as the
Df amount) from the focus detection unit 5 and instructs the lens
microprocessor 20 to drive the focus lens group 25 by this Df
amount. The lens microprocessor 20 controls the focus controller 26
so as to operate the focus lens group 25 by the Df amount. While
this focus detection and drive of the focus lens group 25 are
repeated, the Df amount decreases, and at the point when the amount
drops to or below a specific level, the body microprocessor 12
determines that focus has been achieved and halts the drive of the
focus lens group 25.
After this, when the user presses the release button 30 all the way
down, the body microprocessor 12 instructs the lens microprocessor
20 to adjust the aperture value to what has been calculated on the
basis of the output from a light sensor (not shown). The lens
microprocessor 20 controls the aperture controller 27, and the
aperture is stopped-down to the designated aperture value.
Simultaneously with the designation of the aperture value, the body
microprocessor 12 uses the quick return mirror controller 60 to
retract the quick return mirror 4 from within the optical path X.
Upon completion of this retraction, the imaging sensor controller
13 instructs that the imaging sensor 11 be driven and instructs
that the shutter unit 10 be operated. The imaging sensor controller
13 exposes the imaging sensor 11 for the length of time of the
shutter speed calculated on the basis of the output from a light
sensor (not shown).
Upon completion of this exposure, the imaging sensor controller 13
reads image data from the imaging sensor 11, and after undergoing
specific image processing, this image data is displayed as a
photographic image on the liquid crystal monitor 16. Also, image
data that has been read from the imaging sensor 11 and has
undergone specific image processing is written as image data to a
storage medium via the image recorder 18. Also, upon completion of
the exposure, the quick return mirror 4 and the shutter unit 10 are
reset to their initial positions. The body microprocessor 12
instructs the lens microprocessor 20 to reset the aperture to its
open position, and the lens microprocessor 20 issues reset commands
to the various units. Upon completion of this resetting, the lens
microprocessor 20 notifies the body microprocessor 12 of the
completion of resetting. The body microprocessor 12 waits for the
completion of a series of processing after exposure and the reset
completion information from the lens microprocessor 20 and then
confirms that the release button has not been pressed, which
concludes the imaging sequence.
2.2: Operation in Monitor Photography Mode
Next, the drive sequence in monitor photography mode, in which the
user captures an image using the liquid crystal monitor 16, will be
described through reference to FIGS. 1, 3, 10, and 11.
When the liquid crystal monitor 16 is used to capture an image, the
user presses the photography mode switching button 75 to set the
camera to monitor photography mode. When the camera is set to
monitor photography mode, the body microprocessor 12 retracts the
quick return mirror 4 from within the optical path X. As a result,
light from the subject reaches the imaging sensor 11, so the
imaging sensor 11 converts the light from the subject imaged on the
imaging sensor 11 into image data, allowing it to be acquired and
outputted as image data. The image data read from the imaging
sensor 11 by the imaging sensor controller 13 is subjected to
specific image processing, after which it is displayed as a
photographic image on the liquid crystal monitor 16. Thus
displaying the photographic image on the liquid crystal monitor 16
allows the user to follow the subject without looking through the
viewfinder eyepiece window 9.
Next, the user presses the release button 30 halfway down,
whereupon the body microprocessor 12 receives various kinds of lens
data from the lens microprocessor 20 in the interchangeable lens
unit 2 via the lens mount 21 and the body mount 23. This lens data
is stored in the built-in memory 68. Then, the body microprocessor
12 uses the quick return mirror controller 60 to return the quick
return mirror 4 to a specific position within the optical path X,
acquires the Df amount from the focus detection unit 5 and
instructs the lens microprocessor 20 to drive the focus lens group
25 by this Df amount. The lens microprocessor 20 controls the focus
controller 26 so as to operate the focus lens group 25 by the Df
amount. While this focus detection and drive of the focus lens
group 25 are repeated, the Df amount decreases, and at the point
when the amount drops to or below a specific level, the body
microprocessor 12 determines that focus has been achieved and halts
the drive of the focus lens group 25.
After this, when the user presses the release button 30 all the way
down, the body microprocessor 12 instructs the lens microprocessor
20 to adjust the aperture value to what has been calculated on the
basis of the output from a light sensor (not shown). The lens
microprocessor 20 controls the aperture controller 27, and the
aperture is stopped-down to the designated aperture value.
Simultaneously with the designation of the aperture value, the body
microprocessor 12 uses the quick return mirror controller 60 to
retract the quick return mirror 4 from within the optical path X.
Upon completion of this retraction, the imaging sensor controller
13 instructs that the imaging sensor 11 be driven and instructs
that the shutter unit 10 be operated. The imaging sensor controller
13 exposes the imaging sensor 11 for the length of time of the
shutter speed calculated on the basis of the output from a light
sensor (not shown).
Upon completion of this exposure, the imaging sensor controller 13
reads image data from the imaging sensor 11, and after undergoing
specific image processing, this image data is displayed as a
photographic image on the liquid crystal monitor 16. Also, image
data that has been read from the imaging sensor 11 and has
undergone specific image processing is written as image data to a
storage medium via the image recorder 18. Also, upon completion of
the exposure, the quick return mirror 4 and the shutter unit 10 are
positioned in a state of being retracted from within the optical
path X, so the user can then use the monitor photography mode to
view the subject as a photographic image on the liquid crystal
monitor 16.
When the monitor photography mode is to be canceled, the user
presses the photography mode switching button 75 and changes back
to the ordinary photography mode. That is, the viewfinder
photography mode in which the user looks through the viewfinder
eyepiece window 9 to capture an image. When the camera is changed
back to viewfinder photography mode, the quick return mirror 4 is
returned to a specific position within the optical path X. The
quick return mirror 4 is also returned to a specific position
within the optical path X when the power is shut off to the camera
system 100 (such as a single-lens reflex digital camera) main
body.
2.3: Exposure Setting Operation for Camera System
Next, the operation of setting the exposure for the camera system
100 will be described through reference to FIGS. 4 and 10. The
camera system 100 has four exposure setting modes: a programmed
photography mode in which the exposure setting is performed
automatically for an ordinary photographic region; a shutter speed
preferential photography mode in which the shutter speed is set
manually; an aperture preferential photography mode in which the
aperture value is set manually; and a manual photography mode in
which the shutter speed and aperture value are both set
manually.
The user operating the camera system 100 can select among the four
exposure setting modes by setting a combination of a specific
rotational angle of the aperture ring 40 and the rotational angle
of the shutter speed setting dial 31. Specifically, in a state in
which the letter "A" on the aperture ring 40 lines up with the
pointer 33, the user can set the camera to the programmed
photography mode by putting the shutter speed setting dial 31 in
the auto position. In a state in which the letter "A" on the
aperture ring 40 lines up with the pointer 33, the user can set the
camera to the shutter speed preferential photography mode by
putting the shutter speed setting dial 31 in the manually settable
position. In a state in which any of the numbers "2" to "11" on the
aperture ring 40 lines up with the pointer 33, the user can set the
camera to the aperture preferential photography mode by putting the
shutter speed setting dial 31 in the auto position. In a state in
which any of the numbers "2" to "11" on the aperture ring 40 lines
up with the pointer 33, the user can set the camera to the manual
photography mode by putting the shutter speed setting dial 31 in
the manual position.
From here on, of these four exposure setting modes, the programmed
photography mode and the shutter speed preferential photography
mode will be collectively referred to as the auto aperture mode.
The aperture preferential photography mode and manual photography
mode will be collectively referred to as the manual aperture
mode.
2.4: Exposure Setting Operation in Auto Aperture Mode
The aperture linear sensor 41 outputs a signal corresponding to
rotational angle to the aperture controller 27. When the letter "A"
on the aperture ring 40 lines up with the pointer 33, and the user
presses the release button 30, the aperture controller 27
determines that the exposure setting mode is the auto aperture mode
on the basis of the signal received from the aperture linear sensor
41. The result of this determination is sent to the lens
microprocessor 20 and the body microprocessor 12 (sending to the
body microprocessor 12 is carried out via microprocessor
communication between the lens microprocessor 20 and the body
microprocessor 12).
Also, the shutter speed setting dial 31 outputs a signal
corresponding to rotational angle to the body microprocessor 12.
The body microprocessor 12 recognizes that the exposure setting
mode is the auto aperture mode on the basis of the determination
result received from the aperture controller 27 and the signal from
the shutter speed setting dial 31.
The body microprocessor 12 sends a command to the digital signal
processor 53. The digital signal processor 53 sends the body
microprocessor 12 an image signal at a specific timing on the basis
of the received command. The body microprocessor 12 computes an
exposure value on the basis of the received image signal. If the
exposure setting mode is the programmed photography mode, the body
microprocessor 12 computes a suitable combination from the
adjustable aperture value and shutter speed. If the exposure
setting mode is the shutter speed preferential photography mode,
the body microprocessor 12 computes a suitable aperture value for
the set shutter speed.
The body microprocessor 12 produces a control signal on the basis
of the computation result. The body microprocessor 12 sends a
control signal based on the computed aperture value to the aperture
controller 27 via the lens microprocessor 20 on the interchangeable
lens unit 2 side. If the exposure setting mode is the programmed
photography mode, the body microprocessor 12 sends a control signal
based on the computed shutter speed to the shutter controller 14.
If the exposure setting mode is the shutter speed preferential
photography mode, the body microprocessor 12 sends the shutter
controller 14 information about the shutter speed set by the
shutter speed setting dial 31.
Also, the body microprocessor 12 sends a control signal to the
image display controller 15. The image display controller 15 drives
the liquid crystal monitor 16. When the content of the control
signal designates the programmed photography mode, the liquid
crystal monitor 16 indicates that the exposure setting mode is the
programmed photography mode. When the content of the control signal
designates the shutter speed preferential photography mode, the
liquid crystal monitor 16 indicates that the exposure setting mode
is the shutter speed preferential photography mode.
The aperture controller 27 produces a drive signal for driving the
diaphragm drive motor 28b on the basis of a control signal from the
lens microprocessor 20. The diaphragm drive motor 28b is driven on
the basis of this drive signal. The drive of the diaphragm drive
motor 28b results in the aperture blades being driven.
The shutter controller 14 produces a drive signal for driving the
shutter drive motor 10a on the basis of a control signal from the
body microprocessor 12. The shutter drive motor 10a is driven on
the basis of this drive signal. The drive of the shutter drive
motor 10a results in the shutter unit 10 being driven.
Exposure setting in the auto aperture mode of the camera system 100
is performed as discussed above. The above operation is executed
instantly after the operation of the release button 30 by the
user.
When imaging is complete, the body microprocessor 12 sends a
control signal to the image recording controller 17. The image
recorder 18 records an image signal to an internal memory and/or
removable memory on the basis of a command from the image recording
controller 17.
When the content of the control signal designates the programmed
photography mode, the image recorder 18 records an image signal and
information to an internal memory and/or removable memory on the
basis of a command from the image recording controller 17
indicating that the exposure setting mode is the programmed
photography mode. When the content of the control signal designates
the shutter speed preferential photography mode, the image recorder
18 records an image signal and information to an internal memory
and/or removable memory on the basis of a command from the image
recording controller 17 indicating that the exposure setting mode
is the shutter speed preferential photography mode.
2.5: Exposure Setting Operation in Manual Aperture Mode
Next, when the position of any of the numbers "2" to "11" on the
aperture ring 40 lines up with the pointer 33 and the user presses
the release button 30, the aperture controller 27 determines that
the exposure setting mode is the manual aperture mode on the basis
of the signal received from the aperture linear sensor 41. The
result of this determination is sent to the lens microprocessor 20.
Also, the shutter speed setting dial 31 outputs a signal
corresponding to rotational angle to the body microprocessor
12.
The body microprocessor 12 recognizes that the exposure setting
mode is the manual aperture mode on the basis of the determination
result received from the aperture controller 27 and the signal from
the shutter speed setting dial 31.
The lens microprocessor 20 requests the aperture controller 27 to
provide aperture value information detected from the rotational
angle of the aperture ring 40. The aperture controller 27 sends the
aperture value information detected from the rotational angle of
the aperture ring 40 on the basis of a command from the lens
microprocessor 20 to the lens microprocessor 20 and the body
microprocessor 12 (sending to the body microprocessor 12 is carried
out via microprocessor communication between the lens
microprocessor 20 and the body microprocessor 12). If the exposure
setting mode is the aperture preferential photography mode, the
body microprocessor 12 sends a command to the digital signal
processor 53. The digital signal processor 53 sends an image signal
to the body microprocessor 12 at a specific timing on the basis of
the received command.
If the exposure setting mode is the aperture preferential
photography mode, the body microprocessor 12 computes the shutter
speed on the basis of the received image signal. If the exposure
setting mode is the aperture preferential photography mode, the
body microprocessor 12 computes a suitable shutter speed for the
detected aperture value. If the exposure setting mode is the
aperture preferential photography mode, the body microprocessor 12
produces a control signal on the basis of the computation result.
If the exposure setting mode is the aperture preferential
photography mode, the body microprocessor 12 sends a control signal
based on the computed shutter speed to the shutter controller 14.
If the exposure setting mode is the manual photography mode, the
body microprocessor 12 sends information about the shutter speed
set by the shutter speed setting dial 31 to the shutter controller
14.
Also, the body microprocessor 12 sends a control signal to the
image display controller 15. The image display controller 15 drives
the liquid crystal monitor 16. When the content of the control
signal designates the aperture preferential photography mode, the
liquid crystal monitor 16 indicates that the exposure setting mode
is the aperture preferential photography mode. When the content of
the control signal designates the manual photography mode, the
liquid crystal monitor 16 indicates that the exposure setting mode
is the manual photography mode.
The aperture controller 27 produces a drive signal for driving the
diaphragm drive motor 28b on the basis of a control signal from the
lens microprocessor 20. The diaphragm drive motor 28b is driven on
the basis of this drive signal. The drive of the diaphragm drive
motor 28b results in the aperture blades being driven. The shutter
controller 14 produces a drive signal for driving the shutter drive
motor 10a on the basis of a control signal from the body
microprocessor 12. The shutter drive motor 10a is driven on the
basis of this drive signal. The drive of the shutter drive motor
10a results in the shutter unit 10 being driven.
Exposure setting in the manual aperture mode of the camera system
100 is performed as discussed above. The above operation is
executed instantly after the operation of the release button 30 by
the user.
When imaging is complete, the body microprocessor 12 sends a
control signal to the image recording controller 17. The image
recorder 18 records an image signal to an internal memory and/or
removable memory on the basis of a command from the image recording
controller 17.
When the content of the control signal designates the aperture
preferential mode, the image recorder 18 records an image signal
and information to an internal memory and/or removable memory on
the basis of a command from the image recording controller 17
indicating that the exposure setting mode is the aperture
preferential mode. When the content of the control signal
designates the manual photography mode, the image recorder 18
records an image signal and information to an internal memory
and/or removable memory on the basis of a command from the image
recording controller 17 indicating that the exposure setting mode
is the manual photography mode.
2.6: Operation in Depth of Field Reviewing Mode
With this camera system 100, a depth of field reviewing mode is
further provided so that a plurality of images with different
aperture values can be compared side by side. The specific
operation in depth of field reviewing mode will be described
through reference to FIGS. 12 to 14. FIGS. 12 and 13 are flowcharts
of the depth of field reviewing mode. FIGS. 14 and 15 are an
example of how images are displayed on the liquid crystal monitor
16 in the depth of field reviewing mode.
In this depth of field reviewing mode, a target image to be
captured and a reference image that is related to the target image
are displayed side by side on the left and right of the liquid
crystal monitor 16. The target image and reference image are images
acquired under different photography conditions, but the
photography condition for the reference image (first photography
condition) is determined on the basis of the photography condition
for the target image (second photography condition).
More specifically, as shown in FIG. 12, the body microprocessor 12
of the camera system 100 determines whether the depth of field
reviewing button 76 (FIG. 5) has been pressed (step S1). If the
depth of field reviewing button 76 has been pressed, the mode
changes to depth of field reviewing mode. More specifically, the
body microprocessor 12 determines whether the photography mode is
the monitor photography mode or the viewfinder photography mode
(step S2). If the photography mode is the monitor photography mode,
a live image of the subject is displayed on the liquid crystal
monitor 16. On the other hand, if the photography mode is the
viewfinder photography mode, the quick return mirror 4 is retracted
from the optical path X (step S2A) and a live image of the subject
is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 16 (step S3). At this
point, the aperture controller 27 detects the aperture value (such
as F11) currently set by the aperture ring 40, for example (step
S4). The detected aperture value is sent as a target aperture value
(second photography condition) from the lens microprocessor 20 to
the body microprocessor 12 and is stored in the memory 68 of the
body microprocessor 12. As a result, the aperture value F11 is set
as the target aperture value (step S5).
The reference aperture value (first photography condition) is set
on the basis of the target aperture value. More specifically, the
aperture value F8 obtained by subtracting one step (a specific
width) from the target aperture value F11 is set by the body
microprocessor 12 as the reference aperture value (step S6). For
example, when one step is subtracted from the aperture value, the
amount of light that passes through the aperture is doubled, and
when one step is added to the aperture value, the amount of light
that passes through the aperture is halved. The aperture value
obtained by subtracting one step from the target aperture value is
set as the reference aperture value, but the reference aperture
value is an aperture value obtained by adding one step.
When the setting of the target aperture value and the reference
aperture value is complete, the aperture is adjusted by the
aperture setting component 29 so that the actual aperture value
will be the reference aperture value F8 and the reference image a1
(first image) is acquired by the imaging component 45 (steps S7 and
S8). As shown in FIG. 14, part of the reference image a1 is
displayed in the first display region R131 as the reference display
image A1 (first display image) (step S9). The reference display
image A1 is a single still image. At this point, the reference
aperture value F8 is displayed above the reference display image
A1. The range of the reference display image A1 in the reference
image a1 is preset by the body microprocessor 12, for example.
Next, the aperture is adjusted by the aperture setting component 29
so that the actual aperture value will be the target aperture
value, and a plurality of target images b1 (second images) are
successively acquired by the imaging component 45 in a specific
period (steps S10 and S11). As shown in FIG. 14, part of the target
image b1 is displayed in the second display region R132 as a target
display image B1 (second display image) (step S12). The target
display image B1 is a real-time image (live image) of the subject.
The target aperture value F11 is displayed above the target display
image B1. The range of the target display image B1 in the target
image b11 is preset by the body microprocessor 12, for example.
Here, since the target display image B1 has an aperture value that
is the target aperture value F11, both the background and the
person in the middle are more or less in better focus than in the
reference display image A1 and the subject field is relatively
deep. On the other hand, since the aperture value of the reference
display image A1 is the preset value F8, the person in the middle
is in better focus than in the target display image B1, but the
background is out of focus and the subject field is relatively
shallow.
Thus, the indicated value on the aperture ring 40 is utilized to
acquire the target display image B1 and the reference display image
A1 automatically. Accordingly, the user can compare the target
display image B1 with the reference display image A1, which have
adjacent aperture values and two images with related photography
conditions can be easily compared.
Next, as shown in FIG. 13, it is determined whether or not the
depth of field reviewing button 76 has been pressed (step S12).
More specifically, if the user decides that the target aperture
value F11 of a comparative image B will be the final photography
condition, then the depth of field reviewing button 76 is pressed
by the user. As shown in FIG. 13, when the depth of field reviewing
button 76 is pressed, an image is acquired by the imaging component
45 at an aperture value of F11. This image is displayed as the
final image C on the liquid crystal monitor 16, and is stored in
the image recorder 18 (step S19). Once the final image C has been
stored, the depth of field reviewing mode is concluded.
Meanwhile, if the depth of field reviewing button 76 has not been
pressed, it is determined by the aperture controller 27 whether or
not the aperture ring 40 has been operated (step S13). If the
aperture ring 40 has not been operated, the system awaits input
from the depth of field reviewing button 76 and the aperture ring
40.
If the aperture ring 40 has been operated, the aperture controller
27 determines whether or not the indicated value is an increase or
decrease of one step (step S14). For instance, if the indicated
value on the aperture ring 40 is changed from F11 to F16, the
aperture value increases one step, so the target aperture value F11
is set by the body microprocessor 12 as a new reference aperture
value (step S15). F16, which is obtained by adding one step of the
reference aperture value F11, is set by the body microprocessor 12
as a new target aperture value (step S16). Once the setting of the
reference aperture value is complete, a new image is acquired, and
as shown in the lower right of FIG. 15, a new reference display
image A2 is displayed in the first display region R131 (steps S8
and S9). At this point, the reference display image A2 is acquired
in a state in which the aperture value at the aperture setting
component 29 is F11.
Upon completion of the display of the reference display image A2,
the aperture is adjusted by the aperture setting component 29 so
that the actual aperture value will be the target aperture value
F16, and a moving image of the subject is displayed as the target
display image B2 in the second display region R132 (steps S10 and
S11) as shown in the lower right of FIG. 15.
Meanwhile, if the indicated value on the aperture ring 40 is
changed from F11 to F8, the aperture value is reduced by one step,
so the reference aperture value F8 is set as a new reference
aperture value by the body microprocessor 12 (steps S14 and S17).
Further, F5.6, which is obtained by subtracting one step from the
new reference aperture value F8, is set as a new reference aperture
value by the body microprocessor 12 (step S18). When the setting of
the reference aperture value is complete, the aperture is adjusted
by the aperture setting component 29 so that the aperture value
will be a reference aperture value of F5.6, thereby acquiring a new
reference display image A3 (step S7). Upon completion of the
aperture adjustment, the new reference display image A3 is
acquired, and as shown in the lower right of FIG. 15, the new
reference display image A3 is displayed in the first display region
R131 (steps S8 and S9).
Upon completion of the display of the reference display image A3,
the aperture is adjusted by the aperture setting component 29 so
that the actual aperture value is the reference aperture value F8,
and as shown in the lower right of FIG. 15, a moving image of the
subject is displayed as the target display image B2 in the second
display region R132 (steps S10 and S11). Thereafter, these steps
are repeated until the depth of field reviewing button 76 is
pressed.
Thus, with the camera system 100, two images captured at adjacent
aperture values can be displayed side by side. Therefore, it is
easier, for example, for the user to confirm a change in the image
accompanying a change in photography conditions, making it easier
to find the desired photography conditions. This affords better
correlation between images and improves convenience in the
comparison of images.
Other Embodiments
The specific constitution of the present invention is not limited
to the embodiment given above, and various modifications and
revisions are possible without departing from the gist of the
invention.
(1)
In the above embodiment, the target display image was a moving
image, and the reference display image was a still image. However,
it is also possible that the reference display image and reference
display image will both be moving images. In this case, for
example, the aperture is adjusted by the aperture setting component
29 so that the aperture value alternately becomes the target
aperture value and the reference aperture value, and as the
aperture adjustment operation proceeds, target aperture values and
reference aperture values are alternately acquired. As a result,
the reference display image acquired under a photography condition
related to the target aperture value is displayed as a moving image
side by side with the target display image that is to be captured.
As a result, even if the user changes the framing or if the subject
moves, it will still be possible to compare the two images with
substantially the same composition. Consequently, convenience is
further improved in comparing images side by side.
A case in which the target aperture value and the reference
aperture value are both still images is also conceivable.
Furthermore, a case in which two images with adjacent photography
conditions are displayed side by side in confirming by reproduction
mode a series of image groups captured continuously under different
photography conditions is also conceivable.
(2)
With the above embodiment, the photography condition was the
aperture value, but the photography condition is not limited to
being the aperture value. For instance, the photography condition
may be the shutter speed, exposure value, photography mode,
etc.
Also, in the above embodiment, the specific width was one step of
the aperture value, but the specific width may instead be set to
two steps. Also, when the photography condition is the exposure
value, for example, the specific width can be 1/2EV, 1/3EV, etc.
Also, a constitution in which the specific width can be set by the
user is conceivable.
(3)
With the above embodiment, the first reference aperture value when
the mode changed to the depth of field reviewing mode was set to
the indicated value on the aperture ring 40, but the first target
aperture value may be set ahead of time by the body microprocessor
12 or the like, for example. For example, a case in which the first
target aperture value is automatically set to one aperture value
from among the smallest aperture value (such as F1), a median value
(such as F8), or the largest aperture value (such as F22) is
conceivable. Also, a constitution in which the specific width can
be set by the user is conceivable.
Also, in the above embodiment, in determining the reference
aperture value from the first target aperture value, one step was
subtracted from the aperture value to calculate the reference
aperture value, but a case in which one step is added to the target
aperture value to calculate the reference aperture value is also
conceivable.
(4)
With the above embodiment, the aperture ring 40 mounted on the
interchangeable lens unit 2 was used to change the photography
condition, but the configuration may be such that instead of the
aperture ring 40, a dial, button, or other such control mounted on
the camera main body 1 is used to change the aperture value. Also,
the control mounted on the camera main body 1 need not be a control
[just] for changing the aperture value, and may be a control that
is also be used for another purpose. For instance, the
configuration may be such that the aperture value can be changed
one step at a time by using a directional arrow key 73.
(5)
With the above embodiment, the target display image was displayed
in the second display region R132 on the right, and the reference
display image was displayed in the first display region R131 on the
left, but the configuration may instead be such that the target
display image is displayed in the first display region R131, and
the reference display image in the second display region R132.
Also, the layout of the first display region R131 and second
display region R132 is not limited to that in the above embodiment.
For example, the first display region R131 and second display
region R132 may be disposed one above the other.
(6)
The method for displaying the reference display image An and the
target display image Bn is not limited to that given in the above
embodiment. For instance, as shown in FIG. 16, if part of the
reference display image An and part of the comparative display
image Bn are enlarged for display, it will be easier to compare
detail portions of the reference display image An and the
comparative display image Bn. This makes it easier for the user to
confirm a change in the aperture value. Also, the original image
and enlarged image may be updated at the same time, or an enlarged
image may be displayed superimposed over the original image.
Also, in the above embodiment, the positional relationship of the
reference display image A1 with respect to the reference image a1
was the same as the positional relationship of the target display
image B1 with respect to the target image b1. However, as shown in
FIG. 17, the reference display image A11 may be the left half of
the reference image a11, and the target display image B11 may be
the right half of the target image b11. Specifically, the reference
display image An and target display image Bn are in a relationship
of linear symmetry based on the center line E of the image acquired
by the imaging component 45. In this case, if the reference display
image A11 is displayed in the first display region R131 and the
target display image B11 in the second display region R132, as long
as the composition of the subject does not change greatly, it will
be possible for the reference display image A11 and the target
display image B11 to be displayed as a single image. This further
increases convenience in comparing images.
(7)
In the above embodiment, the image displayed on the liquid crystal
monitor 16 was acquired by the imaging sensor 11, but it is also
possible to use a separate imaging sensor disposed in the
viewfinder optical system. In this case, there is no need to
retract the quick return mirror 4 from the optical path X in
monitor photography mode. Also, the configuration and disposition
of the quick return mirror 4, the viewfinder optical system 19, and
other devices in the camera system are not limited to those
discussed above.
(8)
In the above embodiment, when the depth of field reviewing button
76 was pressed once, the mode changed to depth of field reviewing
mode, and this depth of field reviewing mode was cancelled when the
depth of field reviewing button 76 was pressed again. However, the
configuration may be such that the depth of field reviewing mode
continues only so long as the depth of field reviewing button 76 is
being pressed.
(9)
In the above embodiment, a single-lens reflex camera was used as an
example of the camera system 100, but embodiments of the camera
system 100 are not limited to this. For example, this camera system
100 can also be applied to a compact camera or the like.
(10)
The coordinate axes and directions used in the above description do
not limit the usage state of the present invention.
General Interpretation of Terms
In understanding the scope of the present invention, the term
"configured" as used herein to describe a component, section or
part of a device includes hardware and/or software that is
constructed and/or programmed to carry out the desired
function.
In understanding the scope of the present invention, the term
"comprising" and its derivatives, as used herein, are intended to
be open ended terms that specify the presence of the stated
features, elements, components, groups, integers, and/or steps, but
do not exclude the presence of other unstated features, elements,
components, groups, integers and/or steps. The foregoing also
applies to words having similar meanings such as the terms,
"including", "having" and their derivatives. Also, the terms
"part," "section," "portion," "member," or "element" when used in
the singular can have the dual meaning of a single part or a
plurality of parts.
Terms that are expressed as "means-plus function" in the claims
should include any structure that can be utilized to carry out the
function of that part of the present invention. Finally, terms of
degree such as "substantially," "about," and "approximately" as
used herein mean a reasonable amount of deviation of the modified
term such that the end result is not significantly changed. For
example, these terms can be construed as including a deviation of
at least .+-.5% of the modified term if this deviation would not
negate the meaning of the word it modifies.
While only selected embodiments have been chosen to illustrate the
present invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art
from this disclosure that various changes and modifications can be
made herein without departing from the scope of the invention as
defined in the appended claims. Furthermore, the foregoing
descriptions of the embodiments according to the present invention
are provided for illustration only, and not for the purpose of
limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims and their
equivalents. Thus, the scope of the invention is not limited to the
disclosed embodiments.
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